About Us

Tradish Lacrosse is an indigenous-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to increasing indigenous representation in all manifestations of the game of lacrosse. Our mission is to honor the rich cultural heritage of indigenous nations of North America and to preserve the roots of lacrosse as the Creator's game.

Through our programs and initiatives, we seek to provide indigenous youth players with access to resources, opportunities, and mentorship that enable them to learn, train, and compete in the game of lacrosse at all levels. We believe that by affirming the foundations of the game of lacrosse, we can create a deeper understanding and appreciation of indigenous culture and promote the principles of respect, honor, and unity that are central to the game.

At Tradish Lacrosse, we are committed to building a strong sense of community among indigenous youth players, coaches, and mentors. We seek to foster connections and relationships that extend beyond the game of lacrosse, and to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of indigenous culture and traditions. We believe that the Creator's game can serve as a bridge between cultures and communities, and that through our efforts, we can promote a more inclusive, respectful, and connected world.

Meet the Tradish Team

  • Gary "Litefoot" Davis (Cherokee Nation)

    FOUNDER - BOARD PRESIDENT

    Gary "Litefoot" Davis has long been a pioneering force in the indigenous community, boasting a multi-faceted career that seamlessly bridges arts, entertainment, and sophisticated business acumen. Over the years, he has gracefully transitioned from a notable figure in arts and entertainment to an accomplished business leader, before cementing his legacy as an organizational trailblazer.

    He is an internationally acclaimed actor, filmmaker and musical artist. He has served on the board of the Seattle International Film Festival and continues to inspires audiences through his powerful storytelling, motivational speaking, and commitment to cultural empowerment.

    Gary is an indigenous entrepreneur who oversees a portfolio of businesses ranging from corporate and tribal consulting to a film and television production company.

    He served on the board of directors for the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development before serving as its President and CEO for nearly 5 years. He served as Vice-President of U.S. Native Affairs for the Triple Five Group (owners of the Mall of America) and co-chair of the National Indian Gaming Association’s, American Indian Business Network.

    Mr. Davis has twice testified before the U.S. Senate and is astute at policy matters related to Indian Country. He is a relentless advocate for tribal sovereignty and has demonstrated expertise in building bridges on Capitol Hill. He has successfully worked with various federal agencies and been called upon to advance business in Indian Country by being appointed an ambassador for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Minorities in Energy (2015) and Equity in Energy (2020) initiatives as well as his appointment to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Council on Underserved Communities (2016).

    With a deep connection to his Cherokee heritage, Gary's journey is characterized by resilience, entrepreneurship, and a relentless pursuit of promoting indigenous representation and diversity.

    Gary has coached youth sports for over 16 years and recently helped coach the U13 Haudenosaunee Nationals lacrosse team to a silver medal at the 2023 Heritage Cup International Lacrosse Tournament in New Jersey.

  • Lyle Thompson (Onondaga Nation)

    FOUNDER - BOARD VICE-PRESIDENT

    Lyle Thompson is a Haudenosaunee All-Star professional lacrosse player for the Cannons Lacrosse Club of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and for the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

    He attended the University of Albany where he set the NCAA Division I scoring record and is the only player to win the highest award in lacrosse, the Tewaaraton Trophy, twice consecutively. 

    Lyle began his professional lacrosse career as the top overall Major League Lacrosse (MLL) pick in the 2015 collegiate draft.

    In 2019 he received MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors and won the MLL Championship. Thompson has received NLL All-Pro honors and in 2017 was named both NLL MVP and Championship MVP as the Swarm won their first NLL title. Lyle is a PLL 2x All-Star and 2x Humanitarian Award Winner and in 2022 won the PLL Attackman of the Year Award scoring the most points in a PLL regular season.

    In his own words..

    “I was quite literally born into this game. My father put a wooden lacrosse stick in my hands the day I was born.

    My stick quickly became my best friend. I would sleep with it and used it every day regardless of the weather.

    I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by family who are competitive lacrosse athletes. Every time I stepped foot out the back door, I had the opportunity to learn from my father, as well as my older brothers both. They were my teammates, competitors, and Idols. There is no question that their guidance and instruction made me who I am today.

    I applied all they taught me - on and off the field. I watched and listened and subsequently found myself playing divisions above other kids my age. A turning point for me came at the World Lacrosse Games when I was fifteen years old and played in the U19 division competing against NCAA Division 1 lacrosse athletes. I knew then I could play lacrosse at the highest level.

    Lacrosse has, and continues to be, a vehicle for me to make a difference. I want to be able to impact the lives of others the same way my brothers, and my journey in lacrosse, have impacted mine.”

    CAREER LACROSSE ACHIEVEMENTS / HIGHLIGHTS

    MAJOR LEAGUE LACROSSE (MLL)

    1st overall selection Major League Lacrosse - 2015

    2019 MLL MVP

    2019 MLL Champion

    NATIONAL LACROSSE LEAGUE (NLL)

    1ST overall selection National Lacrosse League - 2015

    2017 NLL Champions Cup Winner 

    2017 NLL MVP

    PREMIERE LACROSSE LEAGUE (PLL)

    2019 Offensive Player of the Year

    3x PLL All Star

    2x PLL Humanitarian Award Winner

    2022 PLL Attackman Of The Year

    MAJOR SERIES LACROSSE (MSL)

    2023 Mann Cup Champion

    CANADIAN LACROSSE ASSOCIATION (CLA)

    Presidents Cup Champion

    COLLEGIATE - UNIVERSITY OF ALBANY

    3x All-American

    2x Tewaaraton Award Winner

    2x US Lacrosse Association Attackman Of The Year

    NCAA Career Points Leader

    NCAA Single Season Points Leader

    HIGH SCHOOL

    Under Armour All-American

    3x All-American Honors 

    #1 Collegiate Recruit in The Nation

    MOVIES

    Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation - 2017

    The Medicine Game - 2014

  • Carmen Davis (Makah, Chippewa Cree, Yakama)

    FOUNDER - BOARD TREASURER / SECRETARY

    Carmen Davis is a highly respected businesswoman and community leader from the Makah Nation, Chippewa Cree, and Yakama Tribes. She is known for over 25 years of influential work and leadership in Indian Country including directing impactful indigenous/community based initiatives, owning and operating several successful businesses, including serving as the President and Co-Founder of Davis Strategy Group and the Vice President of IndigiStudios.

    Recognized as one of the first recipients of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s “40 Under 40” award in 2009, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to indigenous communities.

    In 2004 she led the national project, the "Reach the Rez" tour, which stands as the largest inspirational and motivational outreach campaign ever delivered directly to indigenous communities; all within the span of one year’s time.

    Carmen continues to leverage her platform by delivering keynote addresses promoting indigenous empowerment and she serves as a mentor and role model to indigenous people across turtle Island.